Whitney Houston's closest friend breaks silence on their friendship in new book

WASHINGTON (SBG) - Robyn Crawford, the longtime friend of Whitney Houston, is breaking her silence on what she says was the end of their physical relationship.

People magazine revealed excerpts from her up-and-coming book, “A Song For You: My Life with Whitney Houston.” In the book, Crawford says, ”I’d come to the point where I felt the need to stand up for our friendship. And I felt an urgency to stand up and share the woman behind the incredible talent.”

The two first met as teenagers in the summer of 1980 in New Jersey, where they were both counselors at a summer camp. “We wanted to be together,” says Crawford, “and that meant just us.”

According to Crawford, the relationship ended in 1982. “She said we shouldn’t be physical anymore,” writes Crawford, “because it would make our journey even more difficult.”

“She said if people find out about us, they would use this against us,” says Crawford, “and back in the ’80s that’s how it felt.”

Houston’s mother and famous gospel singer Cissy Houston disapproved of the friendship as well, according to Crawford. “Whitney told me her mother said it wasn’t natural for two women to be that close but we were that close.”

“We never talked about labels, like lesbian or gay,” writes Crawford. “We just lived our lives, and I hoped it could go on that way forever.” Expecting backlash, Houston decided they should end their physical relationship as her stardom continued to rise. “I kept it safe. I found comfort in my silence,” says Crawford.

Crawford stayed by Houston’s side for years as a friend, confidant, and gatekeeper. Until now, Crawford had been silent on the matter, despite many acquaintances to Houston offering their versions of events. Crawford says now, “I wanted to lift her legacy, give her respect and share the story of who she was before the fame, and in that, to embrace our friendship.”

Now Crawford, 58, lives with her partner, talent executive Lisa Hintleman. They have two adopted children, and Crawford is now a family fitness trainer.

The book “A Song For You: My Life with Whitney Houston” will release Nov. 12.